This bracelet is a birthday present for my friend Jessica and a salute to her family. On October 5th 2005, after he had just turned four years old, her son was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Last week, Spencer’s mediport was removed signifying the end of his chemotherapy and a huge milestone in his treatment. As Jessica wrote:

.. after 778 days,
approximately 200 pokes of a needle,
over 2,000 pills,
countless doses of tylenol,
anyone’s guess as to how many I-V drugs and fluids,
hundreds of thousands of prayers and wishes,
and at least 250 trips to the hospital,

I am so very very very very happy to announce that this extremely brave, tough, amazing little boy is completely finished with chemotherapy!!!

The bracelet is inspired by the red Relentless bracelets Spencer’s family and friends have been wearing to support him and anyone else fighting this disease. To put it together, I collected anything red I had in the house; new beads, old beads from jewelry I bought on a trip to Taiwan 21 years ago, charms I received as presents, glass, potato beads, sterling, clay, and metal. I then started making loops to attach all these treasures while listening to the book Jessica selected for our book club.

Happy Birthday Jessica!